NOVEL WEB Chapter 17: Chapter 17 – Rising to the Top
Chapter 17 – Rising to the Top
While fans and media across the world focused on the Champions League group stage draw for the 2003/04 season, Yang Cheng was tucked away in Bayswater, preparing his squad for the grind ahead.
With three matches in a week, many of the team's issues remained unresolved. After the battle against Brighton, Yang decided to adjust his midfield structure and player responsibilities.
But no one in the football world paid attention to what a mid-table League Two club was doing.
On September 6, Bayswater Chinese FC visited Brentford for Round 6 of League Two.
Yang fielded his strongest XI, and from the very start, the team launched a fierce offensive.
After weeks of matches and relentless training, his core lineup was finally gelling.
In the 9th minute, Ribéry broke down the left and squared the ball across the top of the box. Rowlands slipped a perfect pass to Stead, who powered past his marker and slammed it home.
1–0!
Brentford responded quickly.
In the 27th minute, striker Ben May capitalized on a defensive error and equalized.
The draw held until the second half.
In the 60th minute, Yang made a change—replacing the veteran Jenkins with the younger, more dynamic Kevin Foley.
That substitution made a huge difference.
Just two minutes later, Ribéry scored again off another Rowlands assist.
In the 84th minute, it was another right-side attack. Devaney, fed by Foley, buried the third goal.
3–1!
A confident, deserved win—Bayswater's second of the season.
Their league position rose to 11th.
…
On September 13, Bayswater hosted Luton in Round 7.
Right from kickoff, the home side seized control.
With confidence building every game, Bayswater played aggressively, with both wings buzzing with energy.
Luton's coach, Mike Newell, had failed to prepare a defensive response.
In just six minutes, Jenkins crossed from the right, and Stead headed it home from close range.
Though Paul Hughes, a Chelsea academy product, equalized in the 25th minute, the rest of the game belonged to Bayswater.
In the 34th, a lightning counterattack saw Devaney score again—2–1.
In the 42nd, Rowlands blasted in a screamer—3–1.
And in first-half stoppage time, Capaldi whipped in a perfect cross that Stead nodded in for his second of the day—4–1.
The team walked off at halftime to roaring cheers from over 2,000 fans.
After the break, Rowlands scored again, and sub Lambert added another.
Final score: 6–1.
A dominant win, and more importantly, a performance brimming with confidence and quality.
Their quick passing and combination play dazzled Luton and delighted the fans—a rare style for the lower leagues.
The victory pushed Bayswater up to 8th in the table.
…
On September 16, a midweek Round 8 clash saw Bayswater away to Peterborough.
Just 10 minutes in, Ribéry was fouled in the box. Penalty.
Rowlands calmly converted. His fifth goal of the season—already surpassing his career-best.
Not just in numbers, but in his fitness and overall play—Rowlands was reborn.
Though Andy Clarke leveled for Peterborough later on, Capaldi's late strike in the 84th minute sealed a 2–1 win.
Three straight wins.
Bayswater jumped to 5th in the standings.
…
The weekend brought Round 9.
Another away match, this time against Wrexham.
Two games in one week, both on the road, began to take a toll.
But in the 7th minute, Stead, brimming with confidence, unleashed a rocket from the edge of the box—1–0.
Bayswater controlled the match, but in the 72nd minute, a midfield turnover led to a Wrexham counter.
Koscielny, already on a yellow, committed a tactical foul and was sent off.
Down to 10 men, Bayswater endured a fierce barrage.
Then, in the 90th minute, a quick break—Rowlands scored again to seal a 2–0 win.
Four wins in a row.
Meanwhile, QPR and Swindon were both held to draws.
With 18 points, Bayswater jumped to 2nd, trailing only Port Vale on 19.
…
After Round 9, the team returned to London for a week-long break.
Yang Cheng called a team meeting.
The winning streak had injected confidence throughout the squad.
Players were gelling, coordination improving, and team chemistry was surging.
Everyone could see it now: this team had what it took to win the league.
Yang praised their effort but reminded them:
"We've only played 9 of 46 rounds. The season is still long—stay focused!"
With that momentum, Bayswater beat Barnsley in Round 10, thanks to goals from Roger Johnson and Stead.
Meanwhile, Port Vale were held by Wycombe.
Bayswater moved to 21 points—1st in League Two.
For the first time in their League Two history, they were top of the table.
Even if just for a week, it meant everything.
Even better, 3,000 fans attended the home match—the highest attendance in three seasons.
Lin Zhongqiu was thrilled.
Now, he truly believed what Yang had been saying:
As long as the team performed and played exciting football, word of mouth would bring fans back.
Once money started coming in, they could roll out fan-focused incentives, further cementing the team's foundation.
…
Despite Yang Cheng's caution, some things were inevitable.
Young players meant inconsistent form.
After reaching the summit, the next two rounds brought them back down.
In Round 11, they were held 1–1 at home by Bristol.
Right-back Steve Jenkins, who scored the equalizer, was injured in the match.
Port Vale beat Peterborough and retook the top spot.
Bayswater dropped to 3rd, behind Brighton.
The brief taste of first place was a blow to the squad's morale.
But Yang wasn't worried.
Young players have ups and downs—this was part of the process.
A reminder: the league is ruthless, and there's no room for arrogance or relaxation.
…
Round 12: Away to Wycombe.
Bayswater dominated but couldn't break through.
0–0.
Still, with Port Vale losing and other results going their way, Bayswater held onto 3rd place.
Brighton took top spot with 24 points, QPR second.
From five straight wins to two consecutive draws, Yang Cheng didn't criticize anyone.
Instead, he focused on mentality, reassurance, and calm guidance.
He knew—this was a necessary step toward maturity.
As head coach, his job was to lead them through it.
…
October 11, Round 13: Home vs. Tranmere Rovers.
For the first time, over 3,000 fans packed the stadium.
Yang Cheng was thrilled.
The players, shaking off two weeks of frustration, came out with fire.
In the 7th minute, Huddlestone made a late run into the box and smashed in a rocket from distance.
1–0! A goal that opened the floodgates.
The game turned into a rout.
Bayswater unleashed their full arsenal.
The fans were treated to a 6–0 demolition, with six different players scoring.
…
Three days later, midweek: EFL Trophy first round.
Another home game.
Bayswater crushed Bristol 4–0, with Stead's brace, and goals from Koscielny and Lambert.
They advanced to the second round.
Attendance? 4,000.
Yes, it was a cup match with cheaper tickets—but still, a historic milestone.
…
That weekend, Round 14: Away at Port Vale.
Bayswater roared back into form.
5–1 victory.
Rowlands bagged a brace, Stead, Devaney, and Modrić each scored one.
After two draws, they returned with three straight wins.
And thanks to back-to-back blowouts, Bayswater reached 29 points, overtaking QPR and Brighton (27), and regained top spot in League Two—for the second time.
The next day, Lin Zhongqiu received a call from Chris Hunter.
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